111dured at death which men fear; it is the departure from kindred and friends, the laying down of work and leaving a happy sphere of usefulness, the going away from so much that is fair and good, leaving tbe light and joy and hope that our soul has loved below. Even to him who is looking for so much that is better beyond, this deep feeling of regret is not unnatural or unbecoming. 5. Despondency. (Vers. 10, 11.) As with the psalmist, so is it often with us: when the strength is feeble, the spirits Me low; we are distrustful; we begin to doubt those in whom we did confide; we come, hastily and without ground, to unfavourable conclusions; we think we are forgotten, ill-treated, abandoned. III. ITS ALWAYS !'RESENT AND MOST PRECIOUS REFUGE, "Then called I upon the Name of the Lord," etc. (ver. 4). Him whom we are apt to overlook in the light, we remember when the shadows fall. 'l'o him who, though unperceived, is ever at our right hand we gladly turn, when human helpers and our own resources fail us. God is "our very present Help in trouble." We are sure of his pity, and we may ask for the exercise of his power. We know that he who is interested in the flowers of the field and the birds of the air (Matt. vi.) will not suffer one of his own children to die until his hour has fully come; thatl" precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (ver. 15). Who shall estimate the measure of comfort and relief which afflicted humanity has found in submission to the will and prayer for the succour of the heavenly Friend I IV. ITs MERCIFUL REMOVAL. (Vers. 5-8.) Recovery from illness, though a very ordinary and familiar thing, is a reason for reverent wonder. How is it that the organ which is impaired, after getting worse and worse and becoming less and less effective recovers its efficiency, and begins to do its proper work again? '!'his we do not under- stand. We can only say that the Divine Lord of our life has implanted recuperative powers within us which bring about recovery, and make us well and strong. We supply the ascertained conditions, but the unseen Hand does the work. God is the Healer of our sicknesses. It is not only piety, but truth, to say, "I was brought low, and he helped me" (ver. 6). V. THE GLADNESS AND GRATITUDE OF CONVALESCENCE.. (Vera. 1, 2, 5, 7-9, 13, 14, 16-19.) '!'here is a tone of groat gladness of heart-perhaps we may detect some exuberance of spirit-in tbis outpouring. Is not the affliction amply repaid by the joy of returning strength and the sense of newuess of life and power? Let such gladness always take the form of gratitude and praise; let it "lift up its eyes to heaven and say, Father, I thank thee." There should be: 1. Gratitude; the distinct reference of the good received to God himself, "Thou hast dealt bountifully with me" (vers. 7, 8). 2. Praise-offered in the sanctuary as well as in the home (vers. 17-19). 3. Love. 'l'he hearing and answering of our prayer may well deepen our attachment to our loving and faithful Lord (ver. 1). 4. Reconsecration. (Vere. 2, 16.) The best spiritual result of this experience of sickness and recovery is the solemn renewal of the vow by which we first yielded ourselves to the Person and the service of our Saviour,
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. 1.-"] love the Lord, because--" I. WE MIGHT FILL UP THE TEXT IN MANY WAYS. As St. John does," because God first loved us." Or because of what he is in himself. Or because of what he has done for us, is doing, and will do for us or for others dear to us. And there are other ways still. II. How IT 1s FILLED UP. "Because he bath heard my voice," etc. God's hearing of our prayer is the reason given for loving him, 1. Now, can we say this, Not if wo never pray. Not if we do not look out for the answers in the right way-believing -and in the place where they are to be looked for. 2. But many, like the psalmist, can say this. III. AND now REASONABLE 1s THIS FILLING UPI It is fitting that we should'' love the Lord, because," etc. If we think of the sad characteristics of our prayers. How unworthy! How slow we are toprayl Wbatanurnberof desires we have! What unbelief mingles with them I How trivial I How impatient I How misu~ed I What his answering of our prayers has cost I 74 THE BOOK OF PSALMS. [PS, CXVI, 1-19.
Co~cLusroN, 1. If he hears our prayer, he shall hear our praise, and we will hear hie word. 2. And we will tell others of this.-S. C.